Upcoming Submission Calls
You can order copies of our previous anthologies by clicking on the "Shop" link in our navigation links.
Submissions for March's anthology, The Dichotomy of Love, are closed. Dichotomy will release March 15, 2026.
Roots & Rivers: A Journey Through World Folklore
A Global Anthology of Tales, Fables, and Mythic Storytelling
Lowell & Benson Publishing invites writers from around the world to submit original fiction inspired by folklore, myth, and cultural storytelling traditions for our upcoming anthology Roots & Rivers: A Journey Through World Folklore.
This collection will celebrate the enduring power of stories that have traveled across generations — tales rooted in ancient soil and carried forward like rivers through time.
We are seeking fresh retellings, reimagined myths, original fables, and folklore-inspired short fiction that draw upon the rich narrative traditions of your heritage, history, or imagination.
What We’re Looking For
We welcome:
Folklore-inspired short fiction (1,000–6,000 words)
Original stories that echo the tone, themes, or archetypes of cultural folklore.
Retellings of myths or legends
Creative reinterpretations — ancient stories told in new ways.
Invented folklore
Stories that feel timeless even if they are brand new.
Fables with a modern or classic twist
Animal tales, moral lessons, trickster stories, etc.
Tone & Style We Love
- Lyrical, atmospheric storytelling
- Mystical or magical realism
- Worlds shaped by nature, history, spirits, or tradition
- Heart, wisdom, and wonder
- Stories that feel like they could be told around a fire or passed from generation to generation
- Global perspectives
- Cozy, haunting, or epic—we are open!
*****Important Note on Cultural Representation*****
We strongly encourage submissions rooted in: your own culture, your family’s heritage, and your region’s historical stories.
If you draw inspiration from a culture not your own, please do so respectfully, with thoughtful research, and avoid stereotypes or sacred traditions that should not be fictionalized.
Submission Guidelines
- Word Count: 1,000 – 6,000 words
- Genre: Folklore-inspired fiction, fable, mythic fantasy
- Original Work Only: no AI-generated writing. If your piece was previously published, please only submit if you have the rights to the work and please let us know when and where it was previously published.
- Simultaneous Submissions: Allowed — notify us if accepted elsewhere
- Multiple Submissions: Up to 3 pieces per author
Format
- Standard manuscript format (12pt font, double-spaced, .doc or .docx)
- Include a brief author bio (50–100 words) & photo/logo
- Include a note on what folklore or tradition inspired the story
Payment & Rights
- Payment: one eBook and discounted pricing on paperbacks
- Rights: Author retains all rights.
Timeline
- Submissions Open: March 15, 2026
- Submissions Close: April 15, 2026
- Acceptances Sent: May 2026
- Publication Date: June 2026
How to Submit
Send your story as a .doc or .docx attachment to:
submissions@lowellandbenson.com
Subject line: ROOTS & RIVERS – [Story Title] – [Your Name]
- Whether your tale springs from your homeland, your childhood, or the wild river of your imagination, we’d be honored to read it.
Questions?
Please direct any questions to Lucy Harrelson at:
lucy@lowellandbenson.com
Subject: Hearth & Lantern Inquiry